Chapter 2: Twelve Years of Friendship
That evening Tanya invited Renee to dinner.
"Girls' night?"
Renee accepted immediately.
The restaurant had once been their favorite place.
Twelve birthdays.
Three promotions.
Countless celebrations.
Every important memory had happened inside those walls.
Now Renee saw everything differently.
Tanya laughed exactly as she always had.
Asked about wedding flowers.
Suggested honeymoon destinations.
Complimented Renee's engagement ring.
Then she casually asked,
"So... Damon still leaves for work around eight?"
Renee nearly smiled.
Not because the question surprised her.
Because Tanya still believed Renee wasn't paying attention.
Instead of answering directly, Renee asked,
"Have you ever regretted anything?"
Tanya blinked.
"What do you mean?"
"Anything."
For the first time that evening...
Silence settled between them.
Then Tanya forced a laugh.
"Life's too short for regrets."
Renee raised her wine glass.
"I agree."
Inside her purse, her phone quietly recorded every word.
May you like
Not because Tanya confessed.
Because lies often sounded more convincing when preserved forever.
